Avernus

[ uh-vur-nuhs ]

noun

1. a lake near Naples, Italy, looked upon in ancient times as an entrance to hell, from whose waters vile-smelling vapors arose, supposedly killing birds flying over it.
2. hell.

Other Words From

• A·vernal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Avernus¹

< Latin < Greek áornos birdless, equivalent to a- a- ⁶ + órn ( is ) bird + -os adj. suffix

Example Sentences

Trojan, Anchises’ son, the descent of Avernus is easy.

From Literature

The men followed as they flew slowly on until they were close to Lake Avernus, a dark foul-smelling sheet of water where the Sibyl had told Aeneas was the cavern from which the road led down to the underworld.

From Literature

Miss E. Gwen Martin of the Motor Service, was the actual pilot of this arrangement, concealed from public view, perspiring like a navvy, but steering the tank as a veteran of the Cambrai avernus might have steered it.

From Slate

Blood relation Of gods, Trojan, son of Anchises, It is easy to descend into Avernus.

From The Guardian

Handel’s vocal writing can be fiercely demanding, nowhere more so than in the Angel’s opening aria, “Be unbarred, ye gates of Avernus,” in which Liv Redpath, a soprano, displayed lovely tone and fine agility.

From New York Times